It has been revealed that the American-Ecuadorian driver Juan Manuel Correa will be driving with ART for the 2021 FIA Formula 3 season after spending close to 2 years on the sidelines.
Written By Issa Chaker, Edited by Joe Kirk
The 21 year old driver was forced to take a break from motorsport after his injuries from the infamous crash at the 2019 Formula 2 Belgian GP, where Anthoine Hubert sadly lost his life. After sustaining injuries serious enough to force him into a coma, Correa has managed to make a full comeback and is looking to make a return to the sport. His statement released about his comeback was optimistic, “First of all, I’m extremely happy to be back after what I’ve been through. I am incredibly thankful to ART Grand Prix; it means a lot to me that they believe in me and my comeback.”
Correa was realistic, but made no secret of his eventual goals, stating, “F3 is a transition year, my dream is still to reach F1 and this is the first step in the road there. At the moment my targets seem very distant, and I have a lot to do – I have not driven a car for almost 9 months and there is a huge learning curve ahead. I’m entering this season with an open mind, I don’t feel the need to put pressure on myself, of course I will strive to do my best, but I’ve been given the opportunity to do what I love and that’s already a victory.”
The American started his single seater career in 2016, driving in Formula 4 with PREMA Powerteam, and by 2019 had managed 5 wins throughout his career. Managing 3 in his inaugural season in the Italian F4 Championship and 2 in the 2018 Toyota Racing Series, Correa was a promising prospect in Formula racing. This season, the former F2 driver will be partnering SMP Racing Junior Alex Smolyar and Mercedes Junior driver Frederik Vesti, who are both in their second season in the series.
Correa’s story so far shows determination, willpower and mental resilience. From his rise to F2, and the downfall that was the Belgium crash, to his recovery and now a return to the sport, it’s safe to say Correa demonstrates a special kind of mindset. We wish him the very best for the future.
Comments